Weather forecasts are available through radio and TV broadcasts, Environment Canada’s Weatheradio service, and online at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.

2) Plan ahead

Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it’s very cold, or when the wind chill is significant. For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.

3) Dress warmly

Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.

When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.

Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body’s extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.

4) Seek shelter

When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

5) Stay dry

Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.

Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

6) Keep active

Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

7) Be aware

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (see below).

Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.

Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy. They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.

The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.

Hypothermia

Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature

Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur.

It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness. Cardiac arrest may occur.

What to do:

Get medical attention immediately.

Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.

Get the person indoors.

Gently remove wet clothing.

Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.

Frostbite

A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.

Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.

No sensation – the area is numb or tingling.

What to do:

Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help!

Do not rub or massage the area.

Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.

Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C). Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.

These tips have been brought to you by Environment Canada in collaboration with Public Safety Canada.

DID YOU KNOW?? Canada’s Criminal Code also applies to boating. Activities like operating a boat while impaired, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and operating an unseaworthy boat are crimes.

PLEASURE CRAFT

A pleasure craft is any boat that you use only for pleasure activities like fishing, water sports and entertaining friends. It also includes a boat you use for subsistence hunting and fishing or for daily living (for example, in remote areas, going from one village to another).

NON-PLEASURE CRAFT

A non-pleasure craft is a vessel that you use for work or commercial activities. You must meet the requirements for non-pleasure craft any time you use your pleasure craft for non-pleasure activities. If you want to know how to operate a passenger vessel, workboat, commercial fishing vessel or any other non-pleasure craft, visit www.tc.gc.ca/ marinesafety or contact your local Transport Canada Centre.

PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSE

If you operate or keep your boat mostly in Canada, and it is powered by one or more motors adding up to 7.5 kW (10 hp) or more, you must get it licensed, unless you register it. You must also license dinghies or tenders you carry aboard or tow behind a larger boat. A pleasure craft licence is a document giving your boat a unique licence number that is valid for 10 years. The Pleasure Craft Licensing System allows Search and Rescue personnel to access information about your boat 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the event of an emergency. This could mean the difference between life and death! If your boat does not need a pleasure craft licence, you can choose to get one for safety reasons.You must display the pleasure craft licence number on your boat: • on both sides of the bow; • above the waterline; • as far forward as practical; and • where it is easy to see. The characters must be: • in block letters; • at least 7.5 cm (3”) high; and • of a colour that contrasts with the background.

AGE HORSEPOWER RESTRICTIONS

Under 12 years of age with no direct supervision* May operate a boat with up to 7.5 kW (10 hp)

Ages 12 to under 16 with no direct supervision May operate a boat with up to 30 kW (40 hp)

Under 16 years of age, regardless of supervision May not operate a personal watercraft

As we approach the muchly anticipated spring season, we start to dust off the cobwebs on our toys….bikes, roller blades, motorcycles, scooters, etc. We are posting on Concussions this month, to prepare you and your family for the upcoming season.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that cannot be seen on routine x-rays, CT scans or MRIs. Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that jars the head, could cause a concussion.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

Symptoms of a concussion can appear immediately or a few days after the impact. Concussions can appear as a variety of symptoms, and each person might experience concussion in a different way. It is typical to experience one or more of the following symptoms:

What should I do if I suspect a concussion?

Anyone with a suspected concussion should be checked out by a medical doctor. If any red flag symptoms are present, get medical help immediately. If the person is unconscious, call an ambulance. Do not move the person or remove any equipment, such as a helmet, in case of a spine injury.

How long does a concussion last?

The symptoms of a concussion often start to improve within 10-14 days, but may last longer. In some cases, it can take weeks or months to heal. If you have had a concussion before, you may take longer to heal the next time.

How is a concussion treated?

Care for a concussion can involve a variety of treatments and a team of health professionals, depending on the symptoms and how a person’s condition improves. Common recommendations would include rest in the early days, followed by a gradual return to activity under the supervision of a medical professional.

Ensure the back of your jacket has reflective material. This will help the person following to have visual sight of you at all times at night. Also, place a reflective decal on the back of your helmet.

Wear a wrist mirror. This is an excellent safety device which enables you to check behind you without turning your body and causing your sled to swerve.

Fall prevention

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations in Canada. In 2010, falls cost Canadians more than any other type of injury, with the total economic burden estimated as $8.7 billion.1 These figures alone clearly demonstrate the need for national action around this issue.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can fall at anytime, however, children under the age of 6 years and older adults are more likely to be seriously injured as a result of a fall. The good news is that most falls are predictable and preventable.

Falls in Children (Ages 0-6)

Falling is a normal part of development, as children walk, climb, run, jump, play and explore their environment. While most falls in children do not result in serious injury, nearly 5,000 children from birth to 9 years were admitted to a hospital and over 165,000 visited an emergency department as a result of a fall in 2010. This makes falls a leading cause for hospital admissions and emergency room visit from injury in those ages 0-9.

The type and severity of falls in children is reflective of their age. Falls in infants and young toddlers typically occur around the home – from furniture, beds, change tables or high chairs or down the stairs. In older toddlers, falls tend to occur while they are walking, running or crawling around the house. As children get older and reach between the ages of 5 and 9 years of age, playgrounds appear to be the most common area for falls.

To learn how to prevent children from falling, while also ensuring they live healthy, happy and active lifestyles, click here.

Falls in Older Adults

It is estimated that one in three persons over the age of 65 is likely to fall at least once each year. In Canada, this translated into over 1.6 million seniors who fell at least once in 2011. With the number of older persons in Canada projected to increase to 9.8 million in 2036, the estimated number of older persons who will fall at least once in 2036 will increase to 3.3 million.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. In fact, almost half of Canadian seniors who fall experience serious injuries, like fractures and sprains. They are responsible for 95% of hip fractures are due to falls in those over the age of 65.

Fall-related injuries in older adults are associated with significant disability, reduced mobility and independence, higher likelihood of admission to a nursing home and increased risk of premature death. Even in the absence of injuries, falls may have long-term psychological consequences, such as depression, fear of falling and loss of confidence. These, in turn, lead to restriction in daily and social activities and, subsequently, declines in health and function and increased risk of future falls.

Fall prevention is of critical importance as our Canadian population ages; without successful prevention strategies, we face a difficult and pressing issue of providing treatment and facilities to care for those who have been injured due to a fall. It is forecasted that by achieving a 20% reduction in falls in older adults aged 65+ between 2010 and 2035, 4,400 lives could be saved and a total of $10.8 billion costs could be avoided.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs) have become a big part of many families’ lives, both for recreation and work-related activities. They can also be fun to drive, and naturally children are eager to try them out. This can be a great opportunity for parents to model safe behavior and explain that just like driving cars, ATVs need adult skills and knowledge.

Injury experts agree that children younger than 16 years of age do not have the physical development or cognitive ability to safely drive these machines. If the vehicle is designed to carry a passenger, drive with great care, particularly with young children who may have difficulty holding on during sudden turns, or on bumpy roads. Also, young children do not have the strength to hold on for very long.

In Canada, 25 per cent of all ATV-related deaths are among children 15 years of age or younger. Also, injury rates have gone up by 50 per cent, probably because many more Canadians are using these machines than in the past. The group that represents all Canadian children’s doctors (the Canadian Paediatric Society), and some provincial doctors’ associations as well, have spoken out about the dangers of children under 16 years of age driving any off-highway vehicles. They have seen the severe injuries and tragic deaths first hand.

Once a child reaches 16 years of age, appropriate training classes are a great way to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence required to safety operate an off-highway vehicle. Helmets are also important for all drivers and on every ride (approved for ATV or motorcycle use). It’s not easy for children to be patient, but this approach may prevent serious injury or even death.

Issue

All-terrain vehicles are motorized vehicles that require adult skills and judgment. Canadian children continue to be injured and killed while riding ATVs.

Problem

Child use of motorized vehicles. Children and youth are at a special risk for ATV-related injuries and death as they lack the necessary knowledge, physical development, cognitive and motor skills to safely operate these vehicles.

Solution

Children under 16 should not use ATVs, regardless of its size or the power of its engine. Currently in Canada, ATV laws vary by jurisdiction and by location of use. Laws should also require use of appropriate helmets and mandatory safety training for all those operating ATVs.

Overview of concerns and recommendations

Children and youth are at special risk for off-highway vehicles (OHV) injuries and deaths as they lack the knowledge, physical development, cognitive and motor skills to safely operate the vehicles.1

Therefore, Parachute supports injury prevention measures including legislating age-appropriate OHV usage, driver education, and the proper use of protective equipments as well as banning passengers.

Legislating age-appropriate usage

OHVs pose significant risks, including death, to child drivers, passengers and pedestrians. According to data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), serious injuries have occurred to children in recreational areas, on roads and highways and on farms.

Parachute joins a number of injury prevention organizations in calling for OHV regulations based on scientific evidence and reflecting the benefits of automobile legislative efforts, including a minimum driver age of 16 years. Parachute would also recommend a legislated minimum driver age of 16 years to commence OHV driver training programs.

We are very supportive of the principle of OHV driver training; however, we do not have enough evaluation research at our disposal to recommend a particular training approach. As outlined above, Parahchute recommends legislating a minimum age of 16 years for commencing driver training. However, in the absence of legislation preventing the operation of OHV by children under 16, Parachute does recognize the value of educating younger riders in rural and farming communities for the purpose of work and travel.

As hospital data indicates that head injuries are a serious risk of OHV incidents, Parachute advocates the use of appropriate helmets and clothing during OHV use for people of all age

Pedestrian safety

Walk Safe PSA

Parachute has developed a Walk Safe PSA as one of a series of three animated 30-second public service announcements: Walk Safe, Bike Safe, and Play Safe. The Walk Safe PSA incorporates evidence-based key messaging and has been produced in four languages: English, French, Chinese and Punjabi. The primary audience is Canadian families, especially those new to Canada. You are welcome to share these PSAs through your own social media networks and websites.

Injuries to pedestrians are often severe. Although the majority of children survive being hit by a car, they are often left with long-term disabilities such as permanent damage related to head, organ and bone injuries. Pedestrian injuries often have high economic and societal costs. Research shows that some of the highest risk factors for pedestrian injury include driver speed, risky child behaviour, lack of adult supervision, and crossing the street at a spot without traffic controls.

What works to reduce child pedestrian injuries?

Reduce traffic speeds. At speeds greater than 30-40 km/h, both drivers and pedestrians may be more likely to make mistakes in judging the time required to stop or cross the street safely.1

In addition, drivers are known to underestimate their speed.2 Reducing vehicle speed has proven to be effective in preventing crashes and reducing the severity of injuries.1

Even small reductions in vehicle speed can yield significant reductions in injury risk. It is estimated that a pedestrian struck by a car travelling at 50 km/h is eight times more likely to be killed than someone hit at 30 km/h.3

Teach pedestrian safety. Encourage parents to teach and demonstrate pedestrian safety to their children. Adults should begin talking to children about pedestrian safety as soon as they begin walking with their children, and they should continue doing so until the early teenage years. It is crucial that adults talk to children about what is going on around them while they are walking – especially since the simple presence of parents or caregivers may help reduce the risk of injury. 4

Discussions about and demonstrations of safe crossing behaviours, in a variety of situations, will enable children to make more independent decisions about road crossings and safe pedestrian travel.5

Child pedestrian education should be based on children’s development, which changes dramatically from seven to 14 years of age. Education needs to adapt to reflect these changes.

Make communities more walkable. Recent research in the United States and Europe shows a link between communities that are conducive to walking and fewer pedestrian injuries.6 These communities have environments that promote walking by making routes attractive (e.g., trees and trails) and safe (e.g., sidewalks and crosswalks).

Risks of using cellphones while crossing the street

Preliminary research conducted with children 10 and 11 years of age at the University of Alabama in Birmingham shows that children have an increased risk of being struck or nearly struck by a vehicle by up to one third while using a cellphone. The children walked through simulated road crossings in an interactive virtual pedestrian environment. Results showed that children’s pedestrian safety was compromised when distracted by a cellphone conversation. While distracted, they were less attentive to traffic, they left less safe time between their crossing and the next arriving vehicle, and they experienced more collisions and close calls with oncoming traffic. Researchers also believe that other distractions while crossing the street such as listening to music, text messaging, and talking to peers could also increase the odds of risky pedestrian behavior.7

Related Content

Issue

Pedestrian injury is a leading cause of injury-related death to Canadian children.

Problem

Vehicles moving at a speed of over 30-40 km/h present a greater risk to pedestrians.

Solution: Environment, Enforcement, Education

Small reductions in speeds can significantly reduce injury risk, which creates safer environments for all pedestrians. Walking is a healthy, safe and ‘green’ alternative that can be encouraged through responsible urban planning and the active enforcement of maximum traffic speeds.

Helmet FAQ

Why should all cyclists wear a helmet?

Head injuries are the No. 1 cause of serious injury and death to kids on bicycles. A head injury can permanently change the way a child walks, talks, plays and thinks.

The human skull is just one centimetre thick. A properly fitted helmet helps protect your brain from absorbing the force from a crash or a fall. A properly fitted and correctly worn bike helmet can make a dramatic difference, cutting the risk of serious head injury by up to 80 per cent. This means that four out of five brain injuries could be prevented if every cyclist wore a helmet.

Head injuries occur while skateboarding, inline skating and scooter riding. A properly fitted helmet helps protect your brain the same way it does on a bicycle, dramatically decreasing the risk of serious injury.

Can I use a bike helmet for skateboarding, inline skating and scooter riding?

Bike helmets can be used for inline skating and scooter riding. Skateboarding has its own kind of helmet.

Why do I need a different helmet for skateboarding?

Skateboarding helmets cover more of the back of the head and will protect against more than one crash. Because falls are common in skateboarding, these helmets are made of material that is specially designed to withstand multiple impacts on the same spot.

What is a multi-sport helmet?

This means the helmet meets safety standards for more than one activity. Be sure the multi-sport helmet shows clearly what activity it has been tested for. If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer.

How can I tell if the helmet is the right size for my child?

Helmets come in a variety of sizes. There are special helmets for toddlers (under age five) that provide more protection at the back of the head. Some children may outgrow the “toddler” size helmet before age five and should use a bigger helmet.

Helmets come with extra padding that can be added to the inside of the helmet. Your child may need extra padding at the front or the back of the helmet so that it fits correctly.

How do I tell if the helmet is fitting correctly on my child’s head?

Have your child shake her head from side to side and from front to back. The helmet should not move around when she shakes her head.

How do I properly fit a helmet for my child?

The helmet should cover the top of the forehead and should rest about two fingers’ width above the eyebrows. The side straps should fit snugly around your child’s ears in a “V”shape. The buckles on the side strap should fit right under the ear. Buckle the chin strap. Tighten it until you can fit onlyone finger between the strap and your child’s chin.

Teach your child to check the helmet fit every time.

When should I replace a bike helmet?

Bike helmets should be replaced after five years or a crash where the cyclist has hit their head.

After five years, the plastics of the helmet dry out and may become brittle with age. Also, older helmets may not meet current safety standards.

Bike helmets are designed to protect your head against only one crash. After a crash in which the cyclist has hit his or her head, the foam inside the helmet is compressed. The helmet should be replaced, even if it does not look damaged.

When should I replace a hockey helmet?

The life-span of a hockey helmet is not easy to determine, and there are no expiration gudelines for hockey helmets in Canada.

Hockey helmets are multi-impact helmets, meaning they are designed to protect against more than one impact, but must be replaced when you see damage.

The recommendation from CSA (Canadian Standards Association) is for consumers to exercise good judgement as to the suitability of a hockey helmet for play. Helmets that are cracked, have loose fitting or missing liner pieces, or that have been subjected to a severe blow should be replaced.

Is it safe to use a second-hand helmet?

No, it is not a good idea to buy a helmet second-hand. You may not know if the helmet has been in a crash, and you may not know how old the helmet is.

My child’s helmet is missing parts; is it OK to use?

No, your child should never use a helmet that has missing parts. Make sure that all of the straps, adjusters and fasteners on your child’s helmet are secure and are in working order. If the sliders or buckles on the side straps are loose, the helmet will not fit correctly and should not be worn.

Can my child wear his baseball hat under his helmet?

No, anything that could change the way your child’s helmet fits should not be worn. Baseball hats, big hair clips and headphones should never be worn under a helmet. Ponytails should be worn low on the neck when wearing a helmet.

Does it matter if my child puts stickers on her helmet?

Every sticker has some type of adhesive to hold it on, and adhesives have solvents in them that aid the sticking process. These solvents may make the plastic of the helmet weak. Only allow your child to put stickers on her helmet if you know the adhesive is compatible with the plastic of the helmet. If you don’t know, it’s better not to put the stickers on the helmet.

Helmet safety

Issue: Head injuries

Head injuries are the leading cause of severe injury and injury-related deaths to children on bicycles.

Problem: Low helmet use

Research shows that a properly fitted helmet can decrease the risk of serious head injury by over 80 per cent. This means that four out of five head injuries could be prevented if every cyclist wore a helmet.

Solution: Helmet laws encourage helmet use

Helmet laws encourage helmet use for all ages. Head injury rates among child and youth cyclists are about 25 per cent lower in provinces with helmet laws, compared to provinces without. Currently, six provinces have cycling legislation in place, but only four cover all ages. Legislation, in conjunction with ongoing education and enforcement programs, is necessary to make helmet use the norm. Both helmet use and cycling should be promoted to keep kids healthy, active and safe.

For more information on helmet safety please see:

Government, industry, communities and all stakeholders can promote healthy, active, safe living and a culture of cycling. This means reducing traffic speed in communities through lower speed limits and traffic calming, but could also include the development of areas for recreational biking. Improving road safety requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the road design in a community as well as the way vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists use the street.

Supervise your child closely and ensure they know how to use equipment safely

Keep your child off equipment that is higher than 1.5 metres (five feet).

For children under five years of age, stand right beside your child when they are climbing, riding in a swing or playing on equipment above the ground. You should be able to reach your child easily at all times. You can help prevent them from falling.

If your child is between five and nine years of age, watch what they are doing. Children this age like to take chances. Make sure your child uses equipment safely.

Look for a sign identifying the intended age group for the equipment and keep your child off equipment that is meant for older children. Playgrounds often have equipment for two different age groups: children younger than five years of age, and children from five to 12 years of age. If your child cannot reach a piece of equipment, then they should not use it. It is meant for older children.

Teach your child the playground safety rules

Wait your turn.

Slide down feet first.

Don’t go up the slide ladder until the other person has gone down the slide.

Hold on to railings.

Sit down on swings and slides.

Keep away from moving swings and the bottom of slides.

Before using the playground, remove helmets, scarves and drawstrings.

Remove anything that could strangle your child. Take off any strings or drawstrings on your child’s clothing. In winter, use clips instead of strings to hold mittens to clothing. Your child can wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf.

Check the playground

It should have a deep, soft surface as well as handrails and barriers to prevent falls. Watch out for sharp objects or spaces where your child’s head could get stuck. Choose a playground with a deep, soft surface instead of one with a dirt or grass surface. Sand, pea gravel, wood chips, rubber crumb, or soft rubber mats are some good examples. These will help protect your child if they fall. If the surface in your playground is not deep and soft, keep your child on equipment that is close to the ground.

Dig the heel of your shoe into the surface to see how deep it is. It should be 15 to 30 cm (six to 12 inches) deep. If the surface has worn away at the bottom of a slide or under a swing, you can push more of it into place with your shoe.

Before you let your child use any equipment that they might fall from, make sure it has good handrails, barriers and railings to prevent falls.

Watch out for areas where your child’s head or neck could get stuck. Spaces might be big enough for your child’s body but might trap their head or neck. This could strangle your child. Safe spaces are smaller than nine cm (3.5 inches) and larger than 22.5 cm (nine inches). Places to check include the spaces between the steps on a slide and spaces between railings.

Look for broken glass, garbage, sharp edges, and bolts that stick out. Pick up any glass or garbage before your child plays. If your child is old enough, teach them to stay away from sharp edges or bolts. Watch a young child closely to prevent them from bumping into sharp edges.

On July 5th, 2017, Parachute will celebrate its first ever National Injury Prevention Day to raise awareness about the devastating effects of predictable and preventable injuries. Their goal is to help educate others and help all Canadians live long lives to the fullest.

They invite you to check out the links for all the details on #NIPD. You can also help make a difference and support National Injury Prevention Day by spreading the word on social media.

What is NIPD?

Parachute is excited to introduce National Injury Prevention Day, a new annual recognition day to help build awareness of the devastating impact of injury. Injury is the number one killer of Canadians aged 1 – 44, where one child dies every nine hours.

Parachute is launching National Injury Prevention Day to shine a light on largely predictable and preventable injuries. Our goal is to help save more lives through education, knowledge and empowerment.

Quick Facts:

Preventable injury kills more Canadian children than any single disease, and more youth than all other causes combined.

Teen drivers die in crashes at a higher rate than any other age group in Canada.

40% of head injuries in children aged 10 to 19 occur during sports.

85% of hospitalizations of Canadian seniors are due to falls.

They have made improvements in the area of injury prevention but there’s still more work to be done.

National Injury Prevention Day Message from their President & CEO

National Injury Prevention Day: A Message from Steve Podborski, Parachute President & CEO

“Parachute is dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives through education, knowledge and empowerment. Our key areas of focus are motor vehicle collisions, sports and recreational injuries, and seniors’ falls.

Help us drive down the number of motor vehicle collisions, which continue to affect the lives of countless Canadians.

Through our education and awareness tools, you can learn how to better manage injuries like concussion, because you will know how to recognize, treat, or even prevent this type of head injury.

We also encourage you to assist our country’s aging population, our parents and grandparents. Falls remain the leading cause of injury- related deaths and hospitalizations among seniors.

We invite you to participate in our first-ever National Injury Prevention Day by sharing our messaging through social media, using #NIPD and #StoptheClock to help inform others, raise awareness, and drastically lower the staggering number of preventable injuries across the nation. You can also see a list of our country’s major landmarks, which will light up in Parachute distinctive ‘green’ on July 5th to commemorate the event. We encourage you to take photos near the landmarks as they shine a light on this important cause.

Help us create an injury-free Canada. We know prevention is the cure.”